Deliberation of 8 bills could see delays: Expert

A shorter work session could delay the passage of eight bills, including two key ones, by the House of Representatives, the Law and Policy Study Centre said Thursday.

The House, which is in a recess period until August 15, has conducted last-stage deliberations of eight bills, including the much-awaited social security provider (BPJS) bill and the financial service authority (OJK) bill.

However, accoring to the center's monitoring, advocacy and networking director, Ronald Rofiandri, the short duration of the coming House session, with the Idul Fitri holidays approaching, would present a "challenge" to the passing of these bills.

"Besides, it is common practice for the first session in the 2011-2012 period will be utilized by the House and government to conclude talks on the 2012 state budget," he added.

He further added that delays could hamper the passage of the eight bills because the House had "problems in keeping deadlines on bill deliberation" and faced "slowness and lack of coordination between the House and government".

"The decision to form a new institution is also one of the issues slowing deliberations," he added.

The House and government have discussed the proposed formation of a new institution during deliberations on the BPJS bill.

The House must thus refrain from adding more bills to its deliberations list to ensure that the eight bills are passed on time, Ronald added.

"The House and government should also priorotize the completion of the eight bills while conducting talks on the 2012 state budget," he said.